11.2.6. Record and preserve cultural heritage

Middle East Technical University (METU) systematically records, documents, and preserves intangible cultural heritage, national folklore, institutional memory, and the heritage of displaced communities. Driven by specialized research centers, student-led cultural societies, and central library archives—most notably ODTÜ Bellek, the METU Turkish Folklore Society (THBT), and the Center for Research and Assessment of Historical Environment (TAÇDAM)—METU ensures multi-level heritage preservation for present and future generations.

Preservation Across Three Heritage Dimensions

A. Local & Institutional Cultural Heritage: ODTÜ Bellek Digital Archive

• Initiated in 2018 through inter-departmental collaboration (Library and Documentation Directorate, GİSAM Audio-Visual Center, IT Department, and Corporate Communications), ODTÜ Bellek centralizes and digitizes institutional audio-visual history.
• Curated Content Categories: The public portal preserves historical recordings across 9 primary categories: Academic Events, Ceremonies, Culture & Art, Sports, METU History, Spring Festivals, Campus Buildings, People, and Campus Life.
• Integrates public contributions and national institutional archives (TRT, Presidency Communications Directorate, Ministry of National Education, and private collections).

B. National Intangible Cultural Heritage: METU Turkish Folklore Society (THBT)

• Established in 1961, THBT is one of Türkiye's pioneering university societies dedicated to researching, interpreting, and preserving national intangible folk culture using scientific methodologies.
• Conducts active field studies across four main domains: Folk Dances, Folk Music, Folk Theater, and Regional Ethnographic Field Studies, directly safeguarding oral traditions, musical expressions, and regional customs.

C. Cultural Heritage of Displaced Communities: TAÇDAM Center

• Founded originally in 1966 to lead the historic Keban Dam Project and expanded across the Lower Euphrates Region, TAÇDAM undertook landmark salvage archaeology and heritage documentation for local communities displaced by large-scale dam construction projects.
• TAÇDAM utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), non-destructive site identification, and interdisciplinary surveys (archaeometry, urban planning, restoration) to document and preserve the cultural identity, historical environment, and artifacts of displaced rural populations.
• In 2025, METU’s Center for Research and Assessment of the Historic Environment (TAÇDAM) organised a range of cultural heritage, museum, and archaeology events. The International Museum Week programme, held from 18 to 22 May under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies,” featured a film screening, the Yalıncak walk and picnic, lectures, sketching and clay workshops, and activities organised with METU student communities, attracting 300 participants. On 22 May, the national meeting “Reimagining the Museum” brought together architects, academics, and heritage professionals for seminars and a panel discussion on the future of museums, including METU Archaeology Museum, with 100 participants. An international panel entitled “Cultural Heritage and Disasters: Lessons from the Past | Insights for the Future” attracted 60 participants. The exhibition “The Architect’s Journey,” held on 20 June 2025, welcomed 60 participants. In addition, TAÇDAM organised archaeology workshops for children on 11–14 November, combining archaeology lessons, museum tours, art, clay figurine-making, and drama activities. The first session welcomed 12 children, while the second session hosted 8 children, bringing the total participation in the two workshops to 20 children.

https://bellek.metu.edu.tr/

https://tacdam.metu.edu.tr/